Mogadishu residents enjoy apparent lull in violence

Streets are quiet after takeover by Islamic militants.

Streets are quiet after takeover by Islamic militants.

June 10, 2006

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) -- Their capital unified for the first time in a decade, residents of Mogadishu walked streets free of gunmen and roadblocks to attend Friday prayers led by newly victorious Islamic militants. Many wondered whether peace can last in the hands of radicals accused of links to al-Qaida. But the success of the Islamic Courts Union has forced the United States and other world powers to take notice, amid concerns that radical Islam could be taking hold in the Horn of Africa. The United States said it was inviting European and African countries on short notice to a meeting in New York next week on ways to deal with gains by the Islamic militias in Somalia. The haste with which the meeting is being convened reflected the concern in Washington about the tightening grip of the militias on Mogadishu and other population centers in Somalia. Somalia has been without a real government since largely clan-based warlords overthrew dictator Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991 and turned on each other, dividing this nation of 8 million into rival fiefdoms. The United Nations helped set up an interim government during talks two years ago, but the government -- based in Baidoa, 155 miles from Mogadishu -- has been unable to enter the capital because of the violence and has failed to assert control. On Friday, clan fighters angered by attempts to disarm members and dismantle the checkpoints they use to extort road tolls attacked the presidential compound in Baidoa, setting off a firefight that killed 10. One government official was wounded; other victims were believed to be clan members.